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Hungary (Cardinal Mindszenty)

Volume 466: debated on Wednesday 22 June 1949

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18.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further information he can give about the whereabouts and conditions under which Cardinal Mindszenty is living, and the state of his health.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that people are beginning to feel that we are taking no further interest in the case of Cardinal Mindszenty? Does he not further realise that this is causing great disheartenment to people, especially now that the trouble is starting in Czechoslovakia—that after a short period we drop these people because they are no longer in the public eye?

I was asked a Question. I have given the answer. I was asked whether I had further information, and I have informed the hon. Member that I have no reliable information on the matter.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman say whether any effort is being made to get such information?

Will any inquiries being made in Hungary on these matters be extended also to M. Rajk and other people being victimised by the Hungarian Government?

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether any special steps were taken to keep the Foreign Office in touch with the where-about of Cardinal Mindszenty?

Really, I ought not to be asked to answer these questions. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"] How can I take special Steps if I have to tell hon. Members everything I am doing?

While entirely supporting the basis of these questions, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he is aware that he has done far more for the victims of the Communist terror than did the Tory Government?